EHCP Help / Advice & next steps
How to request an EHC needs assessment
If you think your child may need more support than is currently available through ordinary SEN support, you can ask the local authority to consider carrying out an EHC needs assessment.
Quick answer
The first formal step towards an EHCP is usually to request an EHC needs assessment from your local authority. You can make the request yourself and include evidence from school, health professionals, therapists or anyone else involved in your child’s support.
What this means
An EHC needs assessment is the formal assessment stage that comes before a decision about whether an Education, Health and Care Plan may be needed.
A parent or carer can ask for an assessment. A young person aged 16 to 25 can ask themselves, and a school or professional can also make a request where they think it may be necessary.
You can make the request yourself. You do not need to have every report or know every part of the process before you start.
What to do next
Write to the local authority or use its online request process.
Say clearly that you are requesting an EHC needs assessment.
Explain why you think your child may need one.
Include evidence if you have it.
Keep a copy of everything you send.
Note the date the request was submitted.
Things to check
School SEN support records and individual support plans
Emails and communication with school
Reports from teachers, the SENCO or other professionals
Relevant speech and language, occupational therapy, autism or ADHD reports
Attendance, behaviour or exclusion information where relevant
Examples of unmet need at home or school
Notes from meetings
Questions to ask
What support is currently in place?
What has already been tried?
What is not working?
Does the school have records of progress, concerns or interventions?
Will the school support an EHC needs assessment request?
Can I have copies of relevant records?
Local Northamptonshire route
Families in Northamptonshire need to check the correct route for their home address. West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council use separate local authority processes. Their SEND pages, Local Offer and SENDIASS services can help you find the right starting point.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Many families make an EHC needs assessment request themselves. You do not have to use a professional to start. Some parents choose extra help when evidence is complicated, school support is unclear or they feel unsure. You can read free guidance first, speak to SENDIASS, or contact a provider if you want additional support.
What happens next?
After the request is made, the local authority considers whether to carry out an assessment. Keep copies of what you sent, note the date and continue asking school what support will remain in place while you wait.
Support that may help
School SENCO · SENDIASS · SEND advocate · Independent SEND adviser · Educational psychologist · Speech and language therapist, where relevant · Occupational therapist, where relevant
Helpful free resources
SEND Compass provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by Send Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.